ACRRM remembers and celebrates the life of Dr Dale Ford, FACRRM and respected Rural Generalist who served the Hamilton community in Victoria for four decades.
Graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1978, he dedicated his career to rural and remote medicine, developing special interests in diabetes management and prevention, cardiovascular disease, and dermatology.
Dr Ford's impact extends beyond his clinical work. He held numerous influential roles that allowed him to shape healthcare policy and advocate for the needs of rural and remote patients and health professionals. As a Principal Clinical Advisor for the Improvement Foundation Australia, he contributed significantly to the Australian Primary Care Collaboratives, the nation’s largest practice improvement program. His leadership as Chair of Southern GP Training, Chief Medical Officer at Western District Health Service, and on the Board of Great South Coast Medicare Local demonstrate his commitment to medical education and community health.
He was presented with the ACRRM Distinguished Service Award in 2019 for service to his community; the Victorian Rural Health Award in 2020; and this year he was recognised with the Mayor's Award at the Southern Grampians Shire for his incredible contribution to the community.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr Ford was a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner, had research published across journals, and was a mentor to many.
Dr Ford will be remembered as a dedicated Rural Generalist, passionate advocate, and a valued member of the ACRRM family. We pass on our condolences to his wife Rowena; their three children, Tanya, Adam, and Edwina; his colleagues and friends.
Graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1978, he dedicated his career to rural and remote medicine, developing special interests in diabetes management and prevention, cardiovascular disease, and dermatology.
Dr Ford's impact extends beyond his clinical work. He held numerous influential roles that allowed him to shape healthcare policy and advocate for the needs of rural and remote patients and health professionals. As a Principal Clinical Advisor for the Improvement Foundation Australia, he contributed significantly to the Australian Primary Care Collaboratives, the nation’s largest practice improvement program. His leadership as Chair of Southern GP Training, Chief Medical Officer at Western District Health Service, and on the Board of Great South Coast Medicare Local demonstrate his commitment to medical education and community health.
He was presented with the ACRRM Distinguished Service Award in 2019 for service to his community; the Victorian Rural Health Award in 2020; and this year he was recognised with the Mayor's Award at the Southern Grampians Shire for his incredible contribution to the community.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr Ford was a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner, had research published across journals, and was a mentor to many.
Dr Ford will be remembered as a dedicated Rural Generalist, passionate advocate, and a valued member of the ACRRM family. We pass on our condolences to his wife Rowena; their three children, Tanya, Adam, and Edwina; his colleagues and friends.